Lighted three dimensional display

ABSTRACT

A game apparatus is adapted to allow a player to play a game and to determine a game outcome. At least one character is mounted in association with the game apparatus. Lights are mounted in association with the character. A controller is in communication with the game apparatus and the lights. The controller is adapted to determine the game outcome and to control the lights such that in combination at least one character and one of the lights display the game outcome.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaming devices. More specifically, the gaming device includes a lighted three dimensional display that can display a game outcome.

BACKGROUND

Gaming Devices

Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety of gaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users or players to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, the outcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generated event. For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator to generate a random or pseudo-random number. The random number may then be compared to a predefined table to determine the outcome of the event. If the random number falls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the player may win a predefined prize. The table may also contain display information that allows the gaming device to generate a display that corresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device may present the outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices, such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens.

Bonus Games

Some gaming devices award bonuses in addition to prizes that are awarded in the primary game. A bonus can be defined as an additional prize that is awarded to the player when a predefined event occurs. An example of a bonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932 issued to Adams. One of the gaming devices described in this document comprises three spinning reels and a spinning wheel bonus display. When predetermined indicia are displayed on the spinning reels of the primary game, the wheel can be activated to indicate a bonus prize. The bonus prize is awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game.

Generally, bonus prizes are offered in such games in order to increase the excitement and enjoyment experienced by players. This attracts more players to the game and encourages players to play longer. When gaming devices attract more players and the players play longer, they tend to be more commercially successful relative to other gaming devices.

Display Devices

In addition, highly visible display devices are utilized on gaming devices in order to attract players. Once players are attracted to the gaming device, they tend to play longer because the display device enhances the stimulation and excitement experienced by players. It is, therefore, desirable for gaming devices to incorporate highly visible display devices.

The applicants believe that display devices tend to be more successful if they are a derivation of a well-known game or theme. They are more successful because players tend to be drawn to games that they instantly recognize. Many players are reluctant to try completely new games because they must spend time to learn the new game. It is, therefore, desirable to provide display devices that are based on well-known games or themes.

The applicants also believe that display devices tend to be more successful if they utilize physical objects rather than simulations. Although video devices and electronic signs can be used for display devices, players are more attracted to display devices that utilize physical objects. Physical objects can be even more effective display devices if they are moveable and they are used in combination with lights and sounds. It is important to minimize the amount of occupied space because a smaller gaming device generally corresponds to an overall lower cost.

SUMMARY OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention

The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

the ability to provide game players with a more exciting and desirable gaming experience;

the ability to attract more patrons to play a game;

provide a gaming device that utilizes a visually appealing and highly visible display,

provide a gaming device that utilizes a three dimensional lighted object to convey a game outcome;

provide a gaming device that uses a three dimensional lighted indicator to convey a game outcome;

provide a gaming device that uses a back lighted indicator to convey a game outcome;

provide a method of playing a game; and

provide a bracket for an indicator for a gaming device.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

Brief Description of One Embodiment of the Present Invention

In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a game apparatus. The game apparatus is adapted to allow a player to play a game and to determine a game outcome. At least one character is mounted in association with the game apparatus. Lights are mounted in association with the character. A controller is in communication with the game apparatus and the lights. The controller is adapted to determine the game outcome and to control the lights such that in combination at least one character and one of the lights display the game outcome.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of playing a game. The method includes allowing a player to play a game and determining a game outcome. A video presentation is displayed. The video presentation displays at least one indicia. An indicator is moved that points to the video presentation. The indicator is stopped and illuminated. In combination, the illuminated indicator and the video display indicate the game outcome.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a gaming device. The gaming device includes a game apparatus. The game apparatus allows a player to play a game and determine a game outcome. An indicator is mounted in association with the game apparatus. The indicator includes a first plate and a second plate mounted with the first plate. Light emitting diodes are mounted to the first plate. An indicator positioning mechanism is mounted with the game apparatus and the indicator. The indicator positioning mechanism moves the indicator. A controller is in communication with the game apparatus and the indicator positioning mechanism. The controller determines the game outcome. The controller moves the indicator and turns the light emitting diodes on and off such that the indicator indicates the game outcome.

The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially a front view of a gaming device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is substantially an enlarged perspective view of a bonus gaming device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is substantially a left side perspective view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is substantially a front view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is substantially an enlarged view of FIG. 4 showing a first game display.

FIG. 6 is substantially an enlarged view of FIG. 4 showing a second game display.

FIG. 7 is substantially an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is substantially an enlarged exploded perspective view of a positioning mechanism and indicator.

FIG. 9 is substantially a top cross-sectional view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is substantially a front view of FIG. 2 with the panel removed.

FIG. 11 is substantially an enlarged perspective view of an indicator and bracket.

FIG. 12 is substantially a schematic diagram showing components of the gaming device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is substantially a flowchart of a method of playing a game using the gaming device of FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is substantially a front view of an alternative embodiment of a gaming device of the present invention that utilizes and edge-lit display.

FIG. 15 is substantially an exploded perspective view of the edge-lit display of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is substantially a schematic diagram showing components of the gaming device of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is substantially a flowchart of a method of playing a game using the gaming device of FIG. 14 according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made with out departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the Detailed Description below, the applicants utilize various spatially orienting terms, such as “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” and “vertical.” It is to be understood that these terms are used for ease of description of the preferred embodiments with respect to the drawings but are not necessarily in themselves limiting or requiring of an orientation as thereby described in the following Detailed Description.

Game Apparatus

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a gaming device, generally indicated by reference number 10. Gaming device 10 comprises a primary game apparatus 20 and a bonus game apparatus 30. Bonus game 30 may comprise a display device 31. Game apparatus 20 may be any of a large number of devices that are adapted to allow players to play a game. For example, game apparatus 20 may utilize reel displays, such as spinning reels 22-24 or a video display (not shown), to display outcomes of the game. Means may also be provided for accepting wagers, such as a coin slot 21 or card reader 25, and for awarding prizes, such as a coin dispenser 27. A handle 26 and at least one button 28 are provided for activating game apparatus 20 to begin a game. Additional buttons 28 can be provided for allowing a game player to make additional selections. A credit meter 111 can display the number of credits won or remaining. In at least one preferred embodiment, game apparatus 20 may be an S Plus model gaming device manufactured by International Game Technology in Reno, Nev.

Game apparatus 20 may be controlled by an electronic controller 182 (see FIG. 12) that utilizes a random number generator. The random number generator produces a random or pseudo random number for each game. The outcome of the game may be determined by comparing the random number to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed by controller 182. A number of different tables of outcomes may be used and different tables may be used for different games. The tables can be designed so that different prizes have different probabilities of being awarded. Such design techniques are well known in gaming. Examples of such designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, issued to Telnaes, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,465, issued to Durham. Controller 182 causes spinning reels 22-24 of the video display to show the outcome of the game that corresponds to the outcome of the random number generator. It is recognized that game apparatus 20 may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the present invention.

Game apparatus 20 may also be capable of producing a bonus-activating event. This event may be many different types of events. For example, a bonus-activating event may comprise displaying a particular symbol, such as a “bonus” symbol, or combination of symbols, such as three “7” symbols, on reels 22-24. If the game being played is poker based, the bonus-activating event may be occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush. Furthermore, a bonus-activating event may occur when a player accumulates a number of symbols or game outcomes over a number of separate game plays. For example, a bonus-activating event may occur when the player receives three “bonus” symbols during a period of time. The bonus-activating event may be based on an external event. For example, a bonus-activating event may occur when a group of players obtain a certain result.

Bonus Game Apparatus

Bonus game apparatus 30 can include a housing 32 and panel 33 that is mounted above game apparatus 20. A video display 34 is mounted in housing 32. Video display 34 can be a liquid crystal display. Video display 34 can display a wide variety of video presentations and game outcomes. For example, in FIG. 1, video display 34 is shown displaying prize positions 36 shown as building windows. Various indicia 37 can be shown in the windows in order to indicate a game outcome. Indicia 37 can be any type of indicia. Indicia 37 may represent various things, including prize amounts, multipliers, a description or representation of merchandise or services, progressive prizes, or jackpot prizes. Any prizes that are awarded can be displayed on meter 29.

Referring to FIGS. 2-6, various views of bonus game apparatus 30 are shown. Video display 34 is supported by a support 38. Support 38 would be mounted to display shelf 39 which is mounted to housing 32. A bezel and cover 40 are mounted in front of video display 34. At least one button 47 can be provided for activating bonus game apparatus 30 to begin a game. Cover 40 would be made of a transparent material such as acrylic such that a game player may view video display 34 through cover 40. A printed circuit board 42 can be mounted to display shelf 39. Another motor/driver printed circuit board 43 is also mounted to display shelf 39. A controller 176 can be mounted to printed circuit board 42. Controller 176 controls the operation of bonus gaming apparatus 30. Controller 176 is in communication with video display 34 through a cable (not shown).

A fire ladder 35 can be displayed on video display 34. The fire ladder can appear in one position or can be made to move. An indicator 50 is mounted between video display 34 and cover 40. Indicator 50 can have an outline or be shaped to define a character. The number of indicators 50 may vary, and the direction of their movement may vary, and may include horizontal, zigzag, and/or diagonal movements. The shape or appearance of indicator 50 may be designed in various forms and preferably according to a theme of a game. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-6, the theme of the game is a building that is on fire. Accordingly, indicator 50 is in the form of a fireman that appears to climb a ladder. The present invention is not limited to any particular type of indicator or pointer, or any particular representation of an indicator or pointer.

Indicator 50 is connected with an indicator positioning mechanism 70. Indicator positioning mechanism 70 can move and control the position of indicator 50 in front of video display 34. Indicator 50 can start out in an initial hidden position in cavity 41 where it is hidden behind panel 33 (FIG. 2).

Indicator positioning mechanism 70 includes a frame 72. A rail 73 and actuator motor 74 are mounted to frame 72. A threaded rod 76 is mounted to rail 73. Block 77 has threads that mate with rod 76 such that as rod 76 is rotated, block 77 moves up and down. Gear 78 is mounted to motor 74 and gear 79 is mounted to one end of threaded rod 76. Motor 74 would be in communication with motor driver printed circuit board 43 which is in communication with controller 176. Motor 74 can cause rod 76 to rotate and indicator 50 to move.

Referring now to FIG. 11 an enlarged view of indicator 50 is shown. Bracket 82 has ends 82A and 82B and an aperture 83. End 82A is attached to block 77 and end 82B is attached to a transparent acrylic arm 84. Indicator 50 is mounted to arm 84. Bracket 82 movably supports indicator 50. Bracket 82 is thin enough to fit into a gap between video display 34 and cover 40. Bracket 82 can be made from sheet metal or plastic. A groove 85 can be provided in the bracket to hide wires or cables.

Optical sensors 80 (FIG. 8) can be mounted to frame 72 in order to sense the position of indicator 82. Sensors 80 are in communication with controller 176 (FIG. 7). Sensors 80 can be any type of optical sensor such as a proximity sensor. Sensors 80 in conjunction with aperture 83 can determine the location of indicator 50 and provide a signal to controller 176.

Indicator 50 can comprise four layers or plates. Indicator 50 has a printed circuit board plate 90, a first plate 92, second plate 94 and third plate 96. The layers can be light transmitting, partially transparent or opaque. Several light emitting diodes 98 can be mounted to printed circuit board plate 90. Light emitting diodes 98 would in communication with controller 176 through a cable 127 and connector 128. Printed circuit board plate 90, first plate 92 and second plate 94 can be cut or formed into the shape of a character or figure. Light emitting diodes 98 can be arranged around the edge of printed circuit board 90 and as such illuminate indicator 50 in a back lit or edge lit manner such that light rays appear to emanate from behind indicator 50.

Third plate 96 is formed in the shape of a fire hose 126. Several light emitting diodes 97 can be mounted to printed circuit board plate 90 under fire hose 126. Light emitting diodes 97 would in communication with controller 176 through cable 127. Light emitting diodes 97 can illuminate fire hose 126 and give fire hose 126 a translucent glowing effect. LED's 97 can also be turned on and off in order to give fire hose 126 a pulsating effect.

Printed circuit board plate 90, first plate 92, second plate 94 and third plate 96 may be laminated together with an adhesive. A light transmitting adhesive may be used.

Printed circuit board 90, first plate 92, second plate 94 and third plate 96 together form a display 100. First plate 92, second plate 94 and third plate 96 may have one or more graphic elements presented or printed thereon. First plate 92, second plate 94 and third plate 96 may be formed from Vivak PETG sheet. First plate 92, second plate 94 and third plate 96 may be partially transparent.

Plate 92 can form the outline of the character and can be placed close to or in contact with the printed circuit board 90. Holes (not shown) can be provided in one or more plates 92, 94 or 96 to allow a game player to see other objects or symbols behind the plates.

If desired, additional printed circuit board plates with light emitting diodes could be added to indicator 50.

Bonus game apparatus 30 can be operated in a variety of methods in order to indicate a game outcome. For example, controller 176 can detect the occurrence of a bonus activating event in game apparatus 20 and activate bonus game apparatus 30. Controller 176 can present a video presentation on video display 34 and move indicator 50 upwardly and downwardly in front of video display 34 using positioning mechanism 70. Controller 176 can present a video presentation on video display 34 and move indicator 50 using positioning mechanism 70. Indicator 50 can start in an initial position where it is hidden behind panel 33. Controller 176 can turn on light emitting diodes 97 and 98. In combination, video display 34, indicator 50 and light emitting diodes 97 and 98 can indicate at least one of indicia 37 as a game outcome.

With reference to FIG. 12, an electronic controller 182 may control gaming device 10 (FIG. 1). Controller 182 produces a random or pseudo random number for each game. The outcome of the game may be determined by comparing the random number to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed by controller 182. Gaming device 10 may also be capable, via controller 182 of producing a bonus-activating event. Bonus game controller 176 may detect when a bonus activating event occurs in gaming device 20. Controller 182 may determine the outcome of each game, and when a bonus-activating outcome occurs, gaming device controller 182 may transmit a signal to bonus game controller 176. Alternatively, bonus game controller 176 may periodically interrogate gaming device controller 182. Bonus game controller 176 and gaming device controller 182 may be a single controller or separate controllers. In at least one embodiment, gaming device controller 182 is the GAM 2000 controller, available from Eagle Engineering of Pottstown, Pa.

The bonus prize may be determined by a random number generator (not shown) and a virtual pay table, such as the pay table described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,874 to Adams, which is hereby incorporated by reference. A simple pay table may also appear as follows: TABLE 1 Random Number Amount Paid 0.00 to 0.50 $10.00 0.51 to 0.75 $50.00 0.76 to 0.95 X2 0.96 to 1.00 $10,000.00

For example, if the random number generator produced 0.45 as the game outcome, the controller 176 may cause the combination of video display 34, indicator 50 and light emitting diodes 97 and 98 to point to an indicia 37 representing ten dollars. Alternatively, if the random number generator produced a value of 0.85, the controller may cause video display 34, indicator 50 and light emitting diodes 98 to stop and point to an indicia 37 representing a multiplier of 2. The controller may then cause bonus meter 29 to display “10×2=20,” (assuming a base prize of ten dollars) and $20.00 would be awarded to the player.

After controller 176 determines the bonus prizes to be awarded, controller 176 causes the a video presentation to be shown on video display 34 and moves indicator 50 upwardly and downwardly in front of video display 34 using positioning mechanism 70. Controller 176 is in communication with video display 34 and actuator motor 74. Controller 176 is also in communication with sensors 80 that can sense the position of indicator 50. Controller 176 can further be in communication with light emitting diodes (LED's) 97 and 98 mounted to indicator 50 and cause LED's 97 and 98 to turn on or off or to flash.

As was shown in FIG. 1, the video presentation can be a burning building with windows that can display prize indicia. Indicator 50 can be a fireman moving up and down on a ladder. Controller 176 can move indicator 50 using positioning mechanism 70. Indicator 50 can start in an initial position where it is hidden behind panel 33. Controller 176 can turn on light emitting diodes 97 and 98. Controller 176 can present an integrated video presentation using video display 34 and indicator 70.

With further reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an example of such an integrated video presentation is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, controller 176 causes video display 34 to show a burning building with a matrix of prize positions 36 arranged in rows A, B and C and columns X, Y and Z. Fire ladder 35 can be displayed on video display 34. Smoke 138 can appear to be coming out of one of the windows. Indicator 50 shown as a fireman can be moved up and down fire ladder 50

FIG. 6 shows that indicator 50 has moved into alignment with row B. Controller 176 now causes the LED's 97 and 98 to be illuminated and the video presentation to show water spray 139 being emitted from a nozzle 125 of fire hose 126. The video display can show the water spray 139 entering the window of row B and column Y so as to indicate the indicia “10” as a prize amount. Video display 34, indicator 50 and light emitting diodes 97 and 98 in combination can indicate at least one indicia 37 as a game outcome.

The bonus selection process may be repeated for a predetermined number of times to accumulate several bonus prizes that are added to form the award to the game player. For example, the bonus game could be repeated three times to accumulate an award. The present invention is not limited to the example pay table shown. Furthermore, different kinds of bonus prizes may be awarded, such as progressive prizes, jackpot prizes, merchandise, services, prize multipliers, and additional games. Other effects may also be presented, such as pre-recorded sound from speaker 166.

Speaker 166 may be configured to announce a prize a player has won, play music during a prize winning event, announce features of the game offered by gaming apparatus 10, or play music to attract and entertain patrons. Additionally, a variety of graphics and lights, preferably designed according to a particular theme can be displayed.

If the awarded bonus prize is money, the amount of the bonus prize may be displayed on bonus meter 29 and then added to the player's credit meter 111. The bonus prize may be dispensed to the player via a voucher or other cashless device, may be dispensed to coin receptacle 27 (FIG. 1), or an attendant may be summoned to award the prize to the player.

Method of Operation

One method of operation 700 of an embodiment of the present invention, such as gaming device 10 is illustrated in FIG. 13. A game player places a wager on a base or primary gaming device in step 702. At step 704, the game player plays the base game. At decision step 706, method 700 checks to see if the results of game play in step 704 is an outcome qualifying the player to play a bonus game or a bonus activating event. If not, method 700 proceeds to step 708 and awards the player any prizes awarded according the base game determined in step 704, and returns to step 702.

If it is determined in step 706 that the base game outcome of step 704 qualifies the player for a bonus game, method 700 proceeds to step 712. At step 712, video display 34 is activated. Lights and sounds may also be activated to make the event more exciting to the player and those around the player, as well as to call attention to the device.

Method 700 then proceeds to step 714 where a video presentation is shown on video display 714. The video presentation can be any suitable video presentation. At step 716, indicator 50 is activated and moved up and down in front of video display 34. LED's 97 and 98 may also be turned on and off. Method 700 then proceeds to stop indicator 50 at step 718. The LED's 97 and 98 are illuminated at step 720 such that the video presentation and the indicator point to an indicia on video display 34. At step 726 any prizes are award. Method 700 then returns to step 702.

In other embodiments of the invention, the player may be allowed to control the movement of indicator 50 using an input device (not shown).

Of course many variations of this method can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the indicator could first be moved and then the video presentation shown. Alternatively, the indicator could be illuminated before the indicator is moved.

Alternative Embodiment

Turning now to FIGS. 14 and 15 an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. Bonus game apparatus 130 can include a housing 132 that would be mounted above game apparatus 20 (FIG. 1). A panel 134 is mounted in housing 132. Panel 134 can be an opaque panel, a lit panel or a video display that can display a video presentation.

An edge lit display 140 is mounted in housing 132 in front of panel 134. Edge lit display 140 can comprise several characters or figures, symbols, indicia or the like 142, 144, 146, 148 and 150. In FIG. 12, characters 142-150 have an outline or are shaped to represent several people camping. Edge lit display 140 can display an indicia 160 in at least one of the character positions in order to display a game outcome. For example, character 150 is shown displaying an indicia of 25 credits. A bezel and cover 135 are mounted in fiont of panel 134 and display 140. Cover 135 would be made of a transparent material such as acrylic such that a game player may view display 140 through cover 135. A controller 176 can be mounted in housing 130. Controller 176 controls the operation of bonus gaming apparatus 130. Controller 176 is in communication with display 140 through a cable 162.

Edge lit display 140 can comprise several layers. Display 140 may comprise a light panel 170 and a display object 180 that is placed in front of the light panel layer. Object layer 180 may directly abut light panel 170. Light panel 170 has surfaces 170A and 170B. Surface 170B may have a laser etched surface to scatter and defuse light. The laser etched surface may be covered with a film, such as a reflective film, to reflect the light towards the front of the panel. The display object layer 180 is preferably placed close to or in contact with the light panel layer 170. Display object layer 180 has surfaces 180A and 180B. The display object layer 180 may be formed in any shape, such as a character or object consistent with the theme of the game. Display object layer 180 may be a dimensional cutout that has a contour or profile that resembles or enhances a character, symbol or indicia. For example, if a number three is displayed, display object layer 180 may have a profile in the shape of a number three. In addition, display object layer 180 may have additional three dimensional texture. For example, if a tree is displayed, surface 180A may have a bumpy surface similar to a texture of tree bark. The texture may be provided by a number of different methods, such as by machining, grinding or molding. In another embodiment, display object layer 180 may comprise relatively large three dimensional objects with significant depth relative to the height of the layer. This allows objects with significant relief or contours to be displayed. Display object layer 180 can be partially or fully transparent. Graphic elements may also be presented on display object layer 180. Graphical elements may represent different characters, symbols, or indicia. The display object layer 180 is made from a material that is at least partially transparent or translucent that allows light from the light panel layer 170 to pass through the display object layer 180. Light panel 170 may also have a profile that conforms to symbols that are displayed on it.

A spacer 185 can be placed between light panel layer 170 and display object layer 180. Spacer 185 has surfaces 185A and 185B. Printed indicia or holes 187 can be provided in the light panel layer, the display object layer or spacer to allow a player to see other objects, symbols or to form indicia behind any of the layers. Light panel layer 170 can include several light sources 172, such as cold cathode fluorescent tubes or light emitting diodes. Light source 172 can include light sources 172A, 172B, 172C, 172D and 172E. A light source 172F may be placed at an edge of light panel layer 170. This configuration allows light to be transmitted across the volume of light panel 170. Light sources 172 can be in communication with controller 176 through cable 162. Light panel layer 170 is commercially available from Hunatech Global Marketing Pty Ltd of Australia. Graphic elements may also be presented on light panel layer 170.

One of the advantages of light panel 170 is that is may emit light substantially uniformly across 170A. This allows objects placed in front light panel 170 to be illuminated substantially uniformly. In addition, light panel 170 requires less current and produces less heat than other light sources.

Light panel layer 170, display object layer 180 and spacer 185 can be mounted together using fasteners or can be laminated together with an adhesive.

Bonus game apparatus 130 can be operated in a variety of methods in order to indicate a game outcome. For example, controller 176 can detect the occurrence of a bonus activating event in game apparatus 20 and activate bonus game apparatus 130. Controller 176 can selectively turn light source 172 on an off in order to indicate at least one of the characters 142-150 as indicating a game outcome. Light source 172 can also indicate one or more indicia 160. Light source 172 can illuminate characters 142-150 through light reflected from the edge of characters 142-150. Alternatively or in addition, light source 172 can display one or more indicia 160 formed by holes in either light panel layer 170, display object layer 180 or spacer 185.

With reference to FIG. 16, an electronic controller 182 may control bonus gaming device 130 and gaming device 20 (FIG. 1). Controller 182 produces a random or pseudo random number for each game. The outcome of the game may be determined by comparing the random number to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed by controller 182. Gaming device 20 may also be capable, via controller 182 of producing a bonus-activating event. Bonus game controller 176 may detect when a bonus activating event occurs in gaming device 20. Controller 182 may determine the outcome of each game, and when a bonus-activating outcome occurs, gaming device controller 182 may transmit a signal to bonus game controller 176. Alternatively, bonus game controller 176 may periodically interrogate gaming device controller 182. Bonus game controller 176 and gaming device controller 182 may be a single controller or separate controllers. In at least one embodiment, gaming device controller 182 is the GAM 2000 controller, available from Eagle Engineering of Pottstown, Pa.

The bonus prize may be determined by a random number generator (not shown) and a virtual pay table, such as the pay table described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,874 to Adams, which is hereby incorporated by reference. A simple pay table may also appear as follows: TABLE 1 Random Number Amount Paid 0.00 to 0.50 $10.00 0.51 to 0.75 $50.00 0.76 to 0.95 X2 0.96 to 1.00 $10,000.00

For example, if the random number generator produced 0.45 as the game outcome, the controller 176 may cause the combination one of characters 142-150 and lights 172 to indicate an indicia 160 representing 10 dollars. Alternatively, if the random number generator produced a value of 0.85, the controller may cause one of characters 142-150 and lights 172 to indicate an indicia 160 representing a multiplier of 2. The controller may then cause bonus meter 29 (FIG. 1) to display “10×2=20,” (assuming a base prize of ten dollars) and $20.00 would be awarded to the player.

After controller 176 determines the bonus prizes to be awarded, controller 176 causes one or more lights 172 to be illuminated to highlight one of characters 142-150 and to indicate at least one indicia 160 as the game outcome.

The bonus selection process may be repeated for a predetermined number of times to accumulate several bonus prizes that are added to form the award to the game player. For example, the bonus game could be repeated three times to accumulate an award. The present invention is not limited to the example pay table shown. Furthermore, different kinds of bonus prizes may be awarded, such as progressive prizes, jackpot prizes, merchandise, services, prize multipliers, and additional games. Other effects may also be presented, such as pre-recorded sound from speaker 166.

Speaker 166 may be configured to announce a prize a player has won, play music during a prize winning event, announce features of the game offered by gaming apparatus 130, or play music to attract and entertain patrons. Additionally, a variety of graphics and lights, preferably designed according to a particular theme can be displayed.

If the awarded bonus prize is money, the amount of the bonus prize may be displayed on bonus meter 29 (FIG. 1) and then added to the player's credit meter 111 (FIG. 1). The bonus prize may be dispensed to the player via a voucher or other cashless device, may be dispensed to coin receptacle 27 (FIG. 1), or an attendant may be summoned to award the prize to the player.

Method of Operation

One method of operation 800 of an embodiment of the present invention, such as gaming device 130 is illustrated in FIG. 17. A game player places a wager on a base or primary gaming device in step 802. At step 804, the game player plays the base game. At decision step 806, method 800 checks to see if the results of game play in step 804 is an outcome qualifying the player to play a bonus game or a bonus activating event. If not, method 800 proceeds to step 808 and awards the player any prizes awarded according the base game determined in step 804, and returns to step 802.

If it is determined in step 806 that the base game outcome of step 804 qualifies the player for a bonus game, method 800 proceeds to step 812. At step 812, at least one of the edge lit characters 142-150 is illuminated.

Lights and sounds may also be activated to make the event more exciting to the player and those around the player, as well as to call attention to the device.

Method 800 then proceeds to step 814 where an indicia 160 is illuminated on at least one of the edge lit characters. At step 816 any prizes are award. Method 800 then returns to step 802.

Many variations of this method can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, all of the indicias could first be illuminated and then one of the edge lit characters could be illuminated to indicate an outcome of the game.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a lighted three dimensional gaming device display.

Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given. 

1. A gaming device comprising: (A) at least one game apparatus, the game apparatus being configured to allow a player to play a game and to determine a game outcome; (B) at least one display device in communication with the gaming apparatus and in view of the player, the display device comprising: (a) at least one flat light panel, the light panel being configured to emit light across a first surface of the light panel; and (b) at least one object positioned between the first surface of the light panel and the player, the object comprising a three dimensional shape with height, width and depth, the object layer being at least partially transparent, wherein light emitted by the light panel passes through at least a portion of the object to the player.
 2. The gaming device of claim 1, further comprising a graphical symbol displayed on the object, wherein the object comprises a profile, the profile being similar to a shape of the graphical symbol.
 3. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the light panel comprises at least one cold cathode light source.
 4. The gaming device of claim 1 further comprising a spacer between the light panel and the object layer.
 5. The gaming device of claim 4 further comprising at least one symbol on the spacer.
 6. The gaming device of claim 1 further comprising a controller in communication with the game apparatus and the light panel, the controller being configured to selectively activate the light panel to communicate game information to the player.
 7. A method of displaying game information, comprising, not all necessarily in the order shown: (A) emitting light from a flat panel; (B) transmitting the light through a three dimensional object; and (C) allowing a player to view the light transmitted through the three dimensional object.
 8. The gaming device of claim 7, further comprising displaying a graphical symbol on the object, wherein the object comprises a profile, the profile being similar in shape of the graphical symbol.
 9. The gaming device of claim 7, further comprising providing a spacer between the light panel and the object.
 10. The gaming device of claim 9, further comprising displaying at least one symbol on the spacer and transmitting light through the symbol.
 11. The gaming device of claim 7, wherein the step of emitting light from the flat panel is performed selectively.
 12. A gaming device comprising: (A) a game apparatus means for allowing a player to play a game and to determine a game outcome; (B) an object means for presenting a three dimensional object to the player; (C) a light panel means for emitting light over an area of a flat surface and illuminating the object means.
 13. The gaming device of claim 12, further comprising symbol means for communicating game information to the player, the object means having a shape at least partially corresponding to the symbol means.
 14. The gaming device of claim 12 further comprising controller means for selectively activating the light panel means.
 15. A gaming device comprising: (A) at least one game apparatus, the game apparatus being configured to allow a player to play a game and to determine a game outcome; (B) at least one display device in communication with the gaming apparatus and in view of the player, the display device comprising: (a) at least one flat light panel, the light panel comprising: (i) a transparent plate having a first and second surface and a profile; (ii) a symbol displayed on the first service of the transparent plate, the symbol being at least partially transparent, the profile of the plate at least partially conforming to the profile of the symbol; and (iii) a light source positioned to transmit light into the transparent plate, wherein light is emitted through the symbol.
 16. The gaming device of claim 15 further comprising a reflective material on the second surface.
 17. The gaming device of claim 15 wherein the second surface is laser etched.
 18. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the first surface comprises a three dimensional portion having height, width and depth. The gaming device of claim 15 wherein the plate comprises an edge and the light source is positioned to abut the edge. 